A day after fatal shooting, youths fill rec center

As police search for the gunman who opened fire during a pickup basketball game Thursday afternoon at a West Philadelphia recreation center, killing a 23-year-old man and wounding his 19-year-old brother, youths at the center yesterday said they were undeterred by the violence.

"It can happen anywhere," said Zyheme Roberson, 20, sweating with four other young men in a game of basketball at Shepard Recreation Center. "You can't let it stop you from living life."

Yesterday afternoon, two dozen young people at the center took full advantage of its offerings, playing in the spray park, flying on swings, and powering up and down the basketball court.

The newly designed recreation center in the 5700 block of Haverford Avenue has been praised for its array of programs, indoor and outdoor, as well as a strong commitment from neighborhood volunteers to keep it a safe haven.

"It is a beautiful facility in a great community," said Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson. "We're offering the necessary opportunities to keep our kids active, but like any other city, we're dealing with this gun issue and being able to control who has weapons."

About 4:10 Thursday afternoon, police said, Jarrett Green, 23, of the 100 block of North 60th Street, was playing in a basketball game when he was shot in the stomach by a gunman standing at the side of the court. Green was pronounced dead 33 minutes later at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

His brother, who was watching the game, suffered a gash in the forehead from what detectives believe was a stray bullet. He was treated at the hospital. Police said they had no suspects and no motive.